senator john mccain softened his own critique. >> is there anything ambassador rice can do to change your mind? >> sure. she can -- i give everyone the benefit of explaining their position and the actions that they took. and i'll be glad to have the opportunity to discuss these issues with her. >> she could conceivably get your vote for secretary of state? >> i think she deserves the ability and the opportunity to explain herself and her position. >> and weekly standard editor bill kristol, of course one of the more conservative interventionists out there, gave rice a backhanded compliment on "fox news sunday." >> i rather think he will appoint susan rice, and i think, i'm not a huge fan of hers, but she is likely to be confirmed by the senate. john kerry would be a worse secretary of state so just let him have the secretary of state he wants. >> kristol's argument is rice has appeared more interventionist than john kerry. so the softening does not mean an end to the partisan battle over benghazi. republicans made it clear if rice is nominated they plan to make her confirmation heari